It’s been a devastating few days in the NBA community as fans and players grieve the tragic death of Laker legend Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash early Sunday. Tributes to the icon have been pouring in from across the world, and one of the most powerful, moving reflections comes from his former Laker teammate, Shaquille O’Neal.
During a special remembering Bryant on NBA on TNT, Shaq broke down while he shared how painful the last few days have been for him. With tears streaming down this face, Shaq recounted how heard the news of Bryant’s passing and how he struggled to believe the news.
“I haven’t been sleeping, I haven’t been eating. I haven’t been doing the things I normally do. I work, we laugh, we kid, we joke, when I get back home and look at reality…it just hurts,” Shaq said.
“I haven’t felt a pain that sharp in a while.. it definitely changes me.”’@SHAQ on the loss of his brother, Kobe. pic.twitter.com/dM5i0DDgGK
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 29, 2020
The two former teammates went through a lot together, winning three championships, feuding for a bit before eventually reconciling and forging a deep and lasting friendship.
“I wish I could say one last thing to the people that we lost,” Shaq said. “Because once you’re gone, you’re gone forever.”